☝️ Key Points
- The song 'The Green Manalishi' is a metaphor for money and greed and their destructive effect on life
- The 'Green Manalishi', a green demon, represents money that forces the singer to do unwanted actions
- The song addresses the feeling of helplessness and loss of control in the face of the power of money
- The song lyrics illustrate how the 'Green Manalishi' disrupts the singer's dreams and shows him unpleasant things
- The song also addresses the feeling of loneliness and emptiness left by the 'Green Manalishi' after taking the singer's love
Interpretation
The song 'The Green Manalishi' by
Fleetwood Mac is a dark metaphor for money and greed and how these elements can influence life. The title of the song, 'Green Manalishi', refers to a demon that torments the singer. The 'Green Manalishi' represents money, portrayed as a 'green demon' that forces the singer to do things he doesn't want to do ('Don't you come creepin' around, Makin' me do things I don't want to').
It emphasizes the feeling of helplessness and loss of control over the power of money and greed ('All my tryin' is up, All your bringin' is down'). The singer describes how the 'Green Manalishi' disrupts his dreams and shows him things he doesn't want to see ('Bustin' in on my dreams, Making me see things I don't wanna see').
The song also describes the feeling of abandonment and emptiness left by the 'Green Manalishi' after taking the singer's love ('Just taking my love then slippin' away, Leavin' me here jus t tryin' to keep from following you').
Overall, the song is a commentary on the destructive nature of money and greed and how they can affect personal life.